The following originally appeared as part of "Grounded and Growing—Pentecost Sunday."
Call to Confession
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the gathered crowds, proclaiming that Jesus, who they had killed, was the Messiah. Grieved by their sin, the people asked Peter, “What shall we do?”
Peter answered them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
—Acts 2:37–39, adapt. NIV
Let us repent of our own sins, our own refusal to acknowledge Christ as Lord and Savior, and ask for God’s forgiveness.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God,
who sent the promised Holy Spirit to bring life and hope,
we confess that we do not always trust this promise.
Rather than rest in the assurance of our salvation,
we live in fear,
striving to uphold a law that is powerless to save.
Our striving causes us to boast
in our own power and righteousness,
and to live in vain comparison with others.
We forget that our salvation and our sanctification
are gifts from you.
Forgive us for our pride and lack of trust.
Help us live in gratitude and peace.
We pray this through Christ our Lord,
in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.
—Romans 8:1–2, 11 NRSVUE
Song of Thanksgiving
“Great Are You Lord” Leonard et al.
Passing of the Peace
May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing,
so that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
—Romans 15:13 NRSVUE
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Easter—Day of Pentecost
Year B: Easter—Day of Pentecost
Year C: Easter—Day of Pentecost
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 10 (15)
